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    Saving Grace
    Saving Grace
    Saving Grace
    Audiobook14 hours

    Saving Grace

    Written by Julie Garwood

    Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    In this splendid New York Times bestseller, Julie Garwood brilliantly crafts the majestic story of a young Englishwoman determined to fight for her freedom…a woman whose life would be transformed by the rare, unexpected gift of love.

    When Lady Johanna learned that she was a widow, she vowed she would never marry again. Only sixteen, already she possessed a strength of will that impressed all who looked past her golden-haired beauty. Yet when King John demanded that she remarry—and selected a bridegroom for her—it seemed she must acquiesce, until her beloved foster brother suggested she wed his friend, the handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain.

    At first Johanna was shy, but as Gabriel tenderly revealed the splendid pleasures they would share, she came to suspect that she was falling in love with her gruff new husband. And it was soon apparent to the entire Highlands clan that their brusque, gallant laird had surrendered his heart completely. But now a desperate royal intrigue threatened to tear her from his side—and to destroy the man whose love meant more to her than she had ever dreamed!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateJun 25, 2013
    ISBN9781469261508
    Saving Grace
    Author

    Julie Garwood

    Julie Garwood (1944--2023) was the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, including Fire and Ice, Shadow Music, Shadow Dance, Murder List, Killjoy, Mercy, Heartbreaker, Ransom, and Come the Spring. There are more than thirty-six million copies of her books in print.

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    Reviews for Saving Grace

    4/5

    543 ratings21 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Summary Lady Johanna has recently become a widow, and against her wishes King John has commanded that she marry a Scottish Laird Gabriel MacBain. A warrior and leader, a man who has combined the strength of two clans, separate but together in harmony. Johanna knows that she has little choice, but she refuses to be treated the way her previous husband treated her. So in the moment where she meets her future husband, she feels fear, but she also feels an attraction she can’t explain. She senses he is a man of honor and integrity and has a son that is in need of a mother. Johanna married The MacBain. But as a English woman she never realized the difference in living with Scots…their culture, way of manner and speaking, very different but full of zest and passion. There are changes to be done, and Johanna is willing to do whatever it takes to win the hearts of the two clans and bring them together as one clan, to charm the little boy who needs affection and love, and above all to win the heart of her gruff warrior MacBane, who needs her compassion and love in a life where he has only known duty and loyalty.The Hero Gabriel MacBain, is the laird over two clans, both the MacBains and the MacLaurin’s. He is illegitimate, but has proved himself to be a talented warrior and leader. The responsibility of bringing them together is not an easy task, but marrying a woman he doesn’t know, brings him land and a place of safety and security for his people and will protect them at all costs. Gabriel has a son Alec, but isn’t sure if he is his by blood, but he claims him wholeheartedly with no regrets. Gabriel is such a great hero, and plays the perfect role for Saving Grace. I just couldn’t get enough of his hard and gruff exterior, but on the inside he is as soft as a teddy bear at times. You see his loyalty and strength, and I admired his manner toward those he protected and care for. He respects the opinion of those in his clan.The Heroine Johanna, has a sweet and loving nature. And this nature comes natural to her. She hasn’t had a easy life since she got married. She believes that she is barren and unable to have children. Her first husband was not kind to her. But she grew up with a loving family. Johanna has quite the cunning mind, and I loved this heroine…she never ceased to surprise me. She is intelligent, and strong-willed, she stands on her own, and demands respect and affection. She doesn’t back down from standing firm in what she believes in. I loved her passion for life, and how she wants to help the clan as much as her husband does.Plot and Story Line I am in the process of re listening to all of Julie Garwood’s books, and I had such a fun time with Saving Grace. It has been way too long since I have had a chance to reconnect with this story, and I am still amazed in how much I truly loved this one. Saving Grace is an enriching romance that just had me listening as much as possible. The narrator is quite talented, and I loved her inflections. She handles the accents and various voices quite well. If you have yet to read Saving Grace or even listened to an audiobook from Julie Garwood…you are definitely missing out on something wonderful. Nothings brings me more joy than listening to one of her historical’s and we see such a charming and sweet romance. There are so many moments to love…I love how our heroine of the story fights for the clan in ways you don’t see coming. I love the scene where she teaches the men manners…and the throwing of dishes….spectacular. She is willful at times and a fighter, I love how this small timid woman stands up to these Scottish warriors. You gain respect for her pretty quickly. I also adored the little boy Alec….who is so in need of some good mothering. I love how he reacts to Johanna and they bond to each other pretty quickly. The story has a deep plot at times, with some intensity especially toward the end, that really grabs at you, and a twist I wasn’t expecting, but knowing Garwood I should have expected it. Saving Grace is a story of redeeming love, and carving a new life out of unexpected circumstances.The Cover I really like all the covers for this story. But I really adored the audio version, I love how you see the difference in the colors of the plaid, adds dimension and you see how that connects to the story.Overall View Saving Grace is a truly magnificent story that pulls at you, a tale of sacrifice, riveting emotion and a deep and abiding love.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      This book was not a favorite of mine. Gabriel was too bossy and argumentative almost until the end of the book. It was boring.
    • 5/5
      I greatly enjoyed this story and the fact that it was not simply about two people fighting their love for each other. I enjoy worries with depth and Saving Grace delivered.
    • 5/5
      I have long been a fan of Julie Garwood’s historical books. This is one of my favorites and Rosalind does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Each with their own unique voice. It isn’t monotone like so many books are, and you get drawn into the story as you watch it play out in your mind. Very well done.
    • 4/5
      While this isn’t my favourite Garwood novel, it’s still a pleasure to dive into this world. The characters have growth and it was charming, witty and funny at times. It invoked lessons and good Vs evil vibes. Enjoyable and entertaining. 8/10

      I’d recommend The Secret, Ransom and The Wedding to anyone, anytime. They are my absolute favourites by Julie Garwood. Classic historical highlander romances with captivating depth.
    • 5/5
      Very amusing. Lots of feminist touches for a story set in the Middle Ages.
    • 5/5
      Spent a whole Sunday reading this great romance; Julie Garwood is becoming a favorite of mine. It was lovely to see Johanna come in to her own, and Gabriel was a wonderful hero for her.
    • 2/5
      I have read several of Garwood's books, especially the historical romances, and I have to say, this is probably my least favorite. Like several of the books I've read, you have an English female and a Highlander male... cue the unexpected attraction, humor, and inevitably love. It's a good formula for a romance novel...but this one falls flat because I didn't really like the characters. Gabriel starts out as totally dominant and doesn't ever seem to let Johanna finish a thought, and Johanna just seems ditzy and a little clueless. Toward the middle of the book, the characters started growing on me, but I still hurried through the story, just so I could be done.If this is your first Garwood book and you find you aren't crazy about it but are looking for other historical romances, try "The Bride" or "The Prize." I loved both of those books!
    • 3/5
      I liked the abused heroine theme even if it didn't quite invoke the angst and protective, healing hero bit that makes that theme one of my favorites (wouldn't it be great if there was someone who could just "fix" us?) Still, I liked this and will continue to make my way through Julie Garwood's work. (3.5 stars)
    • 4/5
      Johanna and Gabriel have fairly nice chemistry albeit a little forced in feeling. They come together quickly but love doesn't come into play until later in the story. Johanna and Gabriel's histories are tragic but the author does not dwell too heavily on their pain. Supporting characters are fun but lack depth. But like I said, this is not a serious, heart wrenching tale by any means so it shouldn't be taken in any other way. Fun and romantic, 'Saving Grace' is a nice light weekend read.
    • 5/5
      These are the types of books that could change how people view the romance genre. Unforgettabble.
    • 5/5
      One of the best HR I have read in a while.
    • 4/5
      Read 12-7-11Re-read 8-2-14One of my favorites by Garwood, and she is one of my all-time favorite authors for this genre. This is one book where the story stuck with me over the years although I couldn't remember the name of the book. When I picked it up again it came back to me but I was happy to have rediscovered it...so I read it again! I don't do that with many books.Hero and heroine are both to be admired, and it is fun to watch their relationship develop, how they banter back and forth in a humorous way, and how they appreciate each other's qualities. Lady Joanna is way ahead of her time as far as demanding empowerment for women; but that's part of the fun, seeing how she overcomes past abuse and comes into her own, knowing she is safe with her new husband, Gabriel MacBain.Great story. Also introduces a relationship between Joanna's brother figure, Nicholas, and Lady Clare. I need to check out which book, if any, covers their story. Edited: After searching, it looks like there is no book written for them as of yet.
    • 5/5
      Re-read 02/08/13 - LOVE!

      How many times do you suppose I can re-read this and review it by saying LOVE!? Because I feel like this could go on forever.

      Re-read 11/14/11 - LOVE!

      This is one of my top 5 favorite Julie Garwood books. I absolutely adore everything about it from the setting to the characters.

      The overall message - that women are just as important as men - could have become preachy, but it didn't. Johanna dealt with a lot during her first marriage and I like that Garwood addressed her issues. She was a strong character who really came into her own throughout this book. My heart ached for her and all she endured.

      Gabriel I loved right from the beginning. His honor and strength were immediately evident, but it was his caring and compassion with Johanna that won me over.

    • 5/5
      This is without a doubt my favorite of all the books by Julie Garwood.Filled with humor, love, strength and beliefs, this story can keep you enthralled and smiling all the time. You'll be sad when you finish it because you will want more.Lady Johanna was raised to believe in love and happiness but after a cruel and violent marriage, everything in her is broken, even her faith in God. When her husband is believed dead and she's brought to court to be given in marriage again, she and her brother Nicholas managed to delay the inevitable but finally Nicholas gives her away to a noble and fierce Highland warrior, Gabriel MacBain, his somewhat friend.Her latest husband had destroyed the village of her future husband and Johanna is terrified not only of him but also of everything until she finds herself in an award position and with the nickname of Courageous... and then, Lady Johanna surprises everyone including her husband.Again we can see that this is not a "normal" warrior nor a "normal submissive wife". Gabriel, Johanna and all the rest of the characters are lovable and extremely funny. I loved Keith and Calum and their bickering and Auggie and his stone game.This is one is on my top 5 to read (and read again).
    • 3/5
      This is only the second novel I've read by Julie Garwood and I'm already a fan. It was a fast read with some action, romance, and a little bit of humor. Overall not a bad read. I really give this book 3 1/2 stars only because I was not into Judith as much as I would have liked to have been. However, by the end of the book she grew on me.
    • 4/5
      Great book for those who have enjoyed other historical romance. Set in pre Magna Carta England and Scotland, this book is a great romance with a backdrop of historical intrigue. A great read.
    • 5/5
      Johanna is a young girl in an arranged marriage to a brutal Baron. He beats her because he feels it is his right (as taught by the local Bishop). She endures this for three years before the Baron is killed. She is grateful for his death and tries with all her might to avoid any future marriages thinking they will all be like this one. Her brother (Nicholas) feels it is safer for her if she is wed. Johanna has a secret that affects the King of England and needs a protector. Nicholas marries her to Gabriel, a laird in the highlands of Scotland. Johanna begins to feel safe, protected and eventually gains her courage and confidence back. A great medieval romance with some very comical moments. Another great one from Garwood.
    • 5/5
      I'm not much of a romance reader, but I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up as the only book at hand, read it from someone else's bookmark--then turned to the beginning and read the whole thing.Garwood has a talent for writing strong and likable heroines within the tropes of the romance genre. This is not a breaks-the-rules book, but it is an enjoyable read and a good way to spend an afternoon.
    • 3/5
      This is set in Britain in 1206 and revolves around a 16 year old English girl, Johanna, who was married for three years to an abusive husband, then second time around marries a Scottish laird, Gabriel, in an arranged marriage. I did actually stick it out to the end with this novel and enjoyed some of it. On the other hand, there were parts that struck me as implausible, there were the usual style issues that seem endemic to romance (God, the Ping-pong point of view problems in these books!), not much happens for half of the book and the overprotectiveness of Gabriel and the initial timidness of Johanna got on my one nerve. Still, there's smile-worthy humor, primitive golf, lovable wolfhounds and manly men in kilts, and I liked how it dealt with one aspect of women's status in the medieval period. This doesn't strike me as a book-even-someone-that-hates-romance-books-might-enjoy, (and at this point I may be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome to have finished it) but if you like the genre already, this might be a good bet.
    • 4/5
      Lady Joanna was happy as a widow. Having escaped a joyless marriage she was now looking forward to some freedom. However the King (John) had different ideas and wants her to remarry. The bridegroom he has selected fills her with fear. When her foster brother suggests his friend, Scottish warrior Gabriel MacBain. Gabriel has problems himself forging a clan out of two clans at odds and Joanna finds herself trying her best to fix all this. She's determined to make this work.It's funny and barely relates to reality but still a lot of fun to read.